Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: ZEST (10/01/15)
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TITLE: Discovering zest with an " Old fashioned app" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Douglas Eckert
10/02/15 -
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How is it that a Christian can be lacking zest?
After all, don't we have the Joy and Hope that comes from knowing the promises of our Lord, deep down in our being?
To answer this question , I find that an incredibly powerful tool can be utilized. When you investigate a definition (or better yet, the definitions) of a word, and apply them to the context of God's Word, oftentimes some great discoveries can be made.
In this instance:
(Using just the basic google search definition)
zest
noun
1. great enthusiasm and energy. 2. the outer colored part of the peel of citrus fruit, used as flavoring.
verb
1. scrape off the outer colored part of the peel of (a piece of citrus fruit) for use as flavoring.
Now in analyzing these definitions the first noun definition is certainly a desired goal to aspire to from a Christian's perspective. But as usual ,in my experience, it is in the action/verb part of a definition that is where the incredible power and discovery is found . This is especially true when these definitions are then applied to God's Word.
Could it be that our "zest" as Christians comes from our own actions of "flavoring the world" by actually rubbing off ( through our interaction with the world) the outer, exposed parts of our own physical manifestation of the "fruit of the spirit " that is supposed to come forth from all of us as Christians?
According to the Bible:
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
All of these qualities or fruits certainly would also be the "How" that our outer selves (or fruit) would be 'zested' upon the world to add a "pleasing flavor" to other peoples' lives.
Having asked my own self several times, my opening question of
"How is it that a Christian can be lacking zest?" It becomes evident to me that my little exercise, or "old fashioned app" has revealed and illustrated to me yet another great Truth from God's Word; Rather than pathetically lamenting my own lack of zest,and waiting for the 'noun form' of zest to passively and somehow magically settle onto my life, I need to remember that "zest" in the way I want it applied is also a verb that requires action from me to perform onto others, and like any other worthwhile or performing endeavor ,it requires practice on my own part.
This is not exactly an easy thing for an introvert type like myself to do , but it is a start I guess.
After all, awareness IS the beginning of real change.
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I enjoyed reading your article and you asked a very good question. It is something that we all should be asking, and then examine ourselves in light of what the Bible says.
All the best. :)
God bless~
Be aware of capitalizing words like joy and hope. Just recently, there was an excellent lesson about capping God pronouns and God words in Jan's Writing Basics on the message boards. If you haven't checked it out yet, I'd urge you to do so. She makes some great points.
Also, make sure you cite anything you quote, even if it's a dictionary, give the complete name and put the quoted parts inside quotation marks.
This read a bit like an essay. If you wanted to avoid that in the future, add dialog, thoughts, and body language. Even nonfiction pieces can have more showing than telling. For example: I nibbled on my fingernails as I read Webster's Dictionary's definition of the word zest: "Great enthusiasm... "
Hm, how can a true Christian lack zest? I grabbed my Bible, eager to find the answer to that question.
It's not perfect, but I wanted to show you what I meant.
Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it reading like an essay if that's your intention, but sometimes a personal reflection might connect with more people. One way is not more right than the other, and of course, the suggestions are just my opinions.
I think you did a great job of covering the topic too. While the general idea of Christian's having zest might be common, I think the way you covered the topic and asked and answered the questions was fresh and interesting. It made me stop and really examine my own faith. For a Christian author, I think that's the ultimate goal and one of the highest forms of praise. You really did draw me in and make me think. This is the type of article that has different messages for different people, and for me that's evidence of the Holy Spirit being involved in every part of your writing. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Your "zestful" life is not trying to be saved by works but by allowing the Holy Spirit work through your life because you have yielded yourself in obedience to Jesus' commands.
Again, well written.